HB 2657 Summary

• Amends the Bus Passenger Safety Act by revising definitions of "bus," "bus transportation company," "deadly or dangerous weapon," "passenger," and "terminal"

• Prohibits unauthorized individuals from boarding buses with handguns (except those with valid handgun licenses) and bans all dangerous or deadly weapons on buses except for authorized law enforcement officers

• Creates felony offenses with specified penalties for hijacking buses, intimidating/threatening bus passengers or staff, discharging firearms, and removing baggage without consent

• Establishes that persons with valid handgun licenses are exempt from the prohibition on carrying handguns while acting in lawful self-defense or defense of others on buses

• Effective date: November 1, 2014